Morning Rising - Liu Zongyuan
/晨起 - 柳宗元/
A Supposed Dawn Meditation, Possibly Apocryphal
N/A (Not found in authoritative collections)
Despite searching through the standard anthologies of Liu Zongyuan’s poetry and prose, there is no well-documented poem titled 《晨起》(“Morning Rising”). If the title appears in certain modern compilations or local anthologies, it is likely to be an
1. **Apocryphal piece** that imitates Liu Zongyuan’s style,
2. **Misattribution** of a poem by another author, or
3. **Editorial or modern title** assigned to a short excerpt from Liu’s existing writings.
**Liu Zongyuan’s Known Dawn or Morning Themes**
While 《晨起》 does not exist as a verified poem, Liu Zongyuan did reflect on morning moments in some of his authentic pieces—especially those describing quiet, introspective scenes during exile. Common features of his style include:
- **Vivid natural imagery**: morning dew, soft light, distant hills or waters.
- **Reflective tone**: focusing on inner solitude, philosophical insight, or Buddhist/Daoist undertones.
- **Exile motifs**: yearning for distant friends or homelands, noticing how natural beauty can both soothe and underscore isolation.
Any poem claiming to be “晨起” by Liu Zongyuan but not found in reputable Tang poetry collections is best treated with a healthy dose of skepticism. If you come across a text under this title, compare its themes, style, and historical references with Liu Zongyuan’s verified works. It may still offer a *Tang-inspired* reading experience, yet it should not be assumed authentic without clear scholarly evidence.
Key points
1. No poem titled 《晨起》 appears in standard Liu Zongyuan anthologies.
2. Possible references to “morning” in Liu’s authentic works usually highlight introspection during his time of exile.
3. If encountered, “晨起” is likely a later editorial invention, imitation, or excerpt mislabeled as Liu Zongyuan’s poem.